Bahrain move to ease fears

Zayed Al Zayani has reassured Formula 1 teams and drivers that they have nothing to fear as they prepare to travel to Bahrain for this weekend's Grand Prix.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was given the go ahead after the FIA declared itself satisfied that the 'proper security measures' were in place to allow the race to proceed and Formula 1 personnel have already started to arrive in Bahrain after making the journey from China.

Some drivers still have reservations about the race going ahead but Al Zayani, chairman of the Sakhir Circuit, believes those fears will be eased once they arrive in the Gulf state.

"We wouldn't take a decision on a gamble," Al Zayani declared. "I think it's a calculated decision, we've weighed our options and we are committed to the grand prix and to its success.

"I don't think anything drastic will happen. It's not Afghanistan, it's not Syria. I don't see why anything should happen this year that hasn't happened in the previous years,"

Last year's Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled following February's uprising and despite continuing unrest with regular clashes between police and anti-government protesters, Al Zayani insists the situation is not as bad as is being reported.

"You have some stuff going on in villages, but it's nothing that can't be handled," said Al Zayani. "I have no doubt at all that Formula One is not a target, not the teams, not the media.

I think they (the protesters) will probably look out for the media to try and get their message abroad, which is fine. Let them express their opinion.

"The country has gone through a tough year, we are still wounded in some aspects or another and we are on the way to regaining our health, so to speak. I think the race will be positive to the country.

"We need it as a country, we deserve it. I think we have passed the worst of the incidents and we need help to restore the country back on track."